Canada’s oil and gas industry is speaking out against legalized marijuana for its workers

Without specific rules in place, the legalization of marijuana presents the potential for an unacceptable risk to oil and gas workers and the environment, says the industry’s safety association.

Enform, which represents the six Canadian upstream oil and gas trade associations, has released a copy of the letter it sent to Canada’s Task Force on Marijuana Legalization, Regulation and Restriction.

Citing the industry’s statutory obligations to ensure a safe workplace, eliminate workplace hazards and protect the public and environment, Enform says that legalizing marijuana will have an adverse impact on an employer’s ability to fulfill these obligations.

“Enform respectully submits that any legislation that is considered must address the obligations of employers to maintain a safe work environment and the workplace safety risks associated with marijuana use and abuse,” the letter reads.

“At a minimum, there must be an express prohibition on the use of marijuana in safety-sensitive workplaces. There must also be an express prohibition on using marijuana in close temporal proximity to attending work on a safety-sensitive worksite.

“An express prohibition on the possession, storage, use or sale of marijuana on safety-sensitive workplaces or facilities associated with those workplaces must also be included.”

Enform is requesting to make format oral submissions to the task force on the issue.

The task force is seeking input on the design of a new system to legalize, strictly regulate and restrict access to marijuana. The Government of Canada says its advice will be considered by legislators as the new framework is developed.